Nicorette Gum and Lozenges
Generic name:nicotine (gum, lozenge) [ NIK-oh-teen ]
Drug class:Smoking cessation agents
What is Nicorette?
Nicorette gum and lozenges contain nicotine, the primary ingredient found in tobacco products.
Nicorette gum and lozenges are medical products used to aid in smoking cessation in adults. Using a controlled amount of nicotine helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking.
Nicorette may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use Nicorette if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not smoke or use other nicotine products (including snuff, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, inhaler, or nasal spray) while you are using Nicorette gum or lozenges.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Nicorette if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, circulation problems, high blood pressure, history of stroke or heart attack, mouth or dental problems, jaw problems that make chewing difficult, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder, stomach ulcer, asthma or other breathing disorder, an adrenal gland tumor, or if you are on a low-salt diet.
Keep both used and unused Nicorette gum and lozenges out of the reach of children or pets. The amount of nicotine in a used or unused lozenge or piece of gum can be fatal to a child who accidentally sucks or chews on it.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Nicorette if you have:
heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
diabetes;
stomach ulcer;
a history of seizures;
a food allergy;
if you have recently had a heart attack;
if you are on a low salt diet; or
if you are using any other smoking cessation medicine (bupropion, Zyban, or others).
Do not use Nicorette if you are pregnant unless your doctor has told you to. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Nicotine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Nicorette if you are breast-feeding unless your doctor has told you to.
Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Using a nicotine replacement product during pregnancy or while breast-feeding may be safer than smoking. However, you should try to stop smoking without using a nicotine replacement product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Talk with your doctor about the best way for you to stop smoking.
Nicorette lozenges may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not give Nicorette to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
